Louisville, KY – Widespread and life-threatening river flooding is expected to continue across Kentucky until at least Thursday, with the greatest impacts concentrated in Louisville, Lexington, Paducah, and other river-adjacent communities.
According to the National Weather Service in Louisville, historic flooding is occurring along several river systems, including the Ohio, Green, Licking, and Kentucky rivers.
Many gauge sites across the state are experiencing major flood stages, with record crests expected in places like Mumfordville on the Green River and Lockport on the Kentucky River.
Data released early Sunday morning show that elevated water levels will persist through the middle of the week.
Record or near-record crests are expected at over a dozen locations, affecting both urban and rural communities. Glencoe, Peaks Mill, High Bridge, Harlan, and McAlpine Locks, all located near downtown Louisville, are affected.
As of Sunday morning, Kentucky’s rainfall totals were generally less than a quarter inch.
However, NOAA meteorologists warn that previous soil saturation, combined with overflowing river basins, poses a continued high risk of flooding, despite the expected short-term drying trend from Monday to Wednesday.
Additional rainfall of 0.25 inches is expected late Wednesday and Thursday night.
The flood risk map shows major flooding in several counties, with moderate and minor levels spanning the Ohio Valley and southern Indiana.
Louisville, Lexington, and Bowling Green remain at the center of the alert, with localized alerts spreading throughout the Cincinnati metro area.
Flooding on this scale is uncommon, with hydrological gauges indicating levels not seen in decades at some locations.
Emergency management officials are urging residents in low-lying and flood-prone areas to prepare for evacuations and stock emergency kits.
This week’s timeline of concern includes:
- Major flooding ongoing Sunday through Wednesday.
- Dry daylight periods through midweek.
- Light rain Wednesday night through Thursday.
Rising water levels may cause closures or slowdowns in key infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and locks. Residents near rivers and streams are encouraged to stay alert and weather-aware.
This prolonged high water event highlights Kentucky’s vulnerability to river flooding, particularly in the spring.
